Hi, I’m
Michael Kunigonis
DeKalb,IL
Summary
Skilled fundraiser with a proven track record of developing and executing strategies that generate $1,000,000+ in annual giving donations. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills foster strong relationships with alumni, donors, and business leaders. Successfully led teams to surpass fundraising goals through innovative campaigns and events. Contributed significantly to organizational funding, facilitating program and service expansion.
Overview
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, USA
Associate Athletic Director Revenue Generation
07.2024 - Current
Job overview
- FY26 $1,200,000+ generated in gifts during Huskies Invest week of giving
- FY26 $1,200,000+ projected Football ticket and parking revenue
- 25% growth compared to FY 24.
- 50% growth compared to FY23
- FY26 9% growth in Football Season Ticket Revenue
- FY26 87% growth in Football Season Premium Parking
- FY26 Creation of New Football Parking Area generating $120,000+ in new revenue
- FY26 11% growth Football Season Ticket Premium Suites Sales
- FY25 $2,200,000+ generated in total Gifts an 11% growth compared to FY24
- 284% increase in unrestricted giving compared to FY24
- FY25 1433 Distinct Donors, a 62% growth compared to FY24, a ten year high
- FY25 Huskie Invest week of Giving generated $1,000,000+ in gifts
- Record 1,000 gifts solicited during week of giving
- FY25 25% increase in Football Sales Revenue compared to FY24
- FY25 187% increase in Football Single Game Ticket Sales compared to FY24
- FY25 20% growth in Women’s Basketball Season Ticket
- FY25 15% growth in total Women’s Basketball Ticket Revenue
- FY25 over $600,000 in GIK secured
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, USA
Assistant Athletic Director Premium Sales
03.2024 - 06.2024
Job overview
- $30,000+ new revenue creation through Huskie Royale Event
- Multiple $25,000 major gifts secured
- Numerous $10,000 major gifts secured
- Sport Specific Donation Solicitation
- $400,000+ in GIK Solicitation
- Business Partnership Solicitation
- NIL Donor Solicitation
- Gift in Kind Solicitation (GIK)
- Football Premium Premium and Hospitality Sales
- Director of all HAF Hospitality
- Alumni and Donor Stewardship
- Football Premium Parking Coordinator
- Budget Planning
- Community Engagement
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, USA
Development Officer
08.2023 - 03.2024
Job overview
- FY24 $1,000,000+ raised during Huskies Invest Week of Giving
- FY24 54% increase in MBB Sales Revenue compared to FY23
- FY24 36% increase in WBB Sales Revenue compared to FY23
- Multiple $10,000 major gifts secured
- Numerous $5,000 gifts secured
- Sport Specific Donation Solicitation
- NIL Donor Solicitation
- M/W Basketball Premium Seating Sales
- M/W Basketball Premium Hospitality Sales
- M/W Basketball Premium Hospitality Coordinator
- Community Engagement
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, USA
Head Baseball Coach
01.2015 - 07.2023
Job overview
- Responsible for overall leadership of the NIU Baseball Program
- Staff and Student Athlete Oversight
- Roster and Scholarship Management
- Budget Management
- Fundraising
- Secured naming rights for Walt and Janice Owens Park Project
- $650,000+ raised for Walt and Janice Owens Park Project
- Secured naming rights for Locke Player Development Practice Area
- $30,000+ raised for Locke Player Development Practice Area
- $500,000+ raised for operational budget (2015-2023)
- Vendor Contract Negotiations
Virginia TechBlacksburg, USA
Associate Head Baseball Coach/ Assistant Coach
08.2008 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Developed fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement and retention resulting in annual donations exceeding $75,000 per year.
- Cultivated relationships with potential donors through personalized outreach efforts.
- Managed donor databases to track contributions and interactions effectively.
- Coordinate and Developed event logistics for First Pitch Dinner to enhance guest experiences maximizing gift potential exceeding $30,000 annually.
- Organized baseball camp events generating annual revenue exceeding $80,000 per year.
Radford UniversityRadford, USA
Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach / Facilities Assistant
08.2007 - 07.2008
Job overview
- Facilitated all Baseball Camps interacting directly w players and parents securing their entry for specific sessions. Camp revenue exceeding $65,000 in year one.
- Created and maintained accurate records of program activities, including budgets, personnel documents and project timelines for all camps.
- Coordinated baseball facility rental, generating revenue for the Athletic Department.
AdPro Team SportsBuffalo, USA
Apparel Assistant Coordinator
09.2005 - 07.2007
Job overview
- Managed product delivery schedules and ensured timely shipments.
- Communicated with clients regarding delivery updates and requirements.
Canisius CollegeBuffalo, USA
Assistant Baseball Coach
08.2004 - 07.2007
Job overview
- Developed creative concepts to enhance event and donor engagement at First Pitch Dinner averaging $10,000 per year in revenue.
- Developed fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement and retention resulting in $7,500 per year in sport specific gifts.
Niagara UniversityNiagara Falls, USA
Assistant Baseball Coach / Media Relations Intern / Play by Play Radio Announcer
08.2002 - 07.2004
Job overview
- Assisted with developing strategies to increase donor engagement and fundraising efforts.
Education
Canisius CollegeBuffalo, NY
M.S. from Sports Administration
American International CollegeSpringfield, MA
B.S. from Criminal Justice Administration
St. Peter Marian Central Catholic High SchoolWorcester, MA
High School
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication ability
- Experienced Public Speaker
- Proficient with Windows, Google and Apple applications
- Proficient in Microsoft applications
- Proficient in Blackboard teaching applications
- Proficient in CRM Paciolian ticketing system
- Proficient with CRM EverTrue Donor Engagement Platform
- Excellent leadership ability
- Excellent team member
- Excellent problem-solving ability
- Excellent conflict resolution skills
Professional References
- Sean T Frazier, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Northern Illinois University, 815-753-9473, AthleticDirector@NIU.edu
- Chris Barker, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Northern Illinois University, 262-515-6463, cbarker1@niu.edu
- John Ballein, Executive Associate AD/Chief of Staff, Virginia Tech, 540-231-3357, jballein@vt.edu
Timeline
Associate Athletic Director Revenue Generation
Northern Illinois University
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Athletic Director Premium Sales
Northern Illinois University
03.2024 - 06.2024
Development Officer
Northern Illinois University
08.2023 - 03.2024
Head Baseball Coach
Northern Illinois University
01.2015 - 07.2023
Associate Head Baseball Coach/ Assistant Coach
Virginia Tech
08.2008 - 01.2015
Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach / Facilities Assistant
Radford University
08.2007 - 07.2008
Apparel Assistant Coordinator
AdPro Team Sports
09.2005 - 07.2007
Assistant Baseball Coach
Canisius College
08.2004 - 07.2007
Assistant Baseball Coach / Media Relations Intern / Play by Play Radio Announcer
Niagara University
08.2002 - 07.2004
Canisius College
M.S. from Sports Administration
American International College
B.S. from Criminal Justice Administration
St. Peter Marian Central Catholic High School
High School